Watford Sack Their Manager After a 10-Match Stint and Bring Back Former Boss as Manager

Watford Football Club have taken the decision to end their manager's contract after just a brief period and 10 games in charge, announcing the return of ex-manager the Spanish coach as his replacement.

It is understood that Pezzolano, who was hired in May to replace the interim manager, along with his backroom team, were told not to lead training on Wednesday as speculation about his imminent departure mounted on Tuesday.

Pezzolano was summoned for a meeting where he became the 11th manager the club have let go since the start of 2020.

"We are very pleased to welcome back Gracia," said the club's chief executive. "His passion, leadership and well-defined plan will foster stability, unity and momentum.

"We believe there are many supporters who wished Gracia had never departed in the past. With this young and exciting squad, we are convinced his know-how and attributes are precisely what we need at this moment."

Gracia previously led Watford to the FA Cup showpiece for the second time in the club's history in 2019, but was sacked several games into the following campaign and last managed at Leeds in last year.

"For me, the feeling I have in this moment is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the most enjoyable time of my professional life," Gracia stated. "I have fond recollections and we have unfinished business at Watford. For us, it's a further significant move in our journey.

"It is something special for us, and at the same time we are highly motivated for this campaign. If we are together, we are more powerful."

The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives even after their win against Oxford United at their home ground on Saturday, which moved them to 11th in the Championship after a difficult opening that yielded a handful of points from the first six games.

The Uruguayan is reportedly departed disappointed by the call to let him go, having guided Watford to a three-match unbeaten run that featured a home win over Hull City and a tie at Portsmouth, placing them within touching distance off the promotion playoffs.

The coach joined soon after the conclusion of last season with a proven track record of leading clubs to advancement in Spain, South America and Uruguay.